Rio Texas Annual Conference

Former United Methodist Bishop James E. Dorff is welcomed in Kamina, Congo, as part of a delegation that traveled from the U.S. in observance of World Malaria Day in 2010. Dorff died June 7. He was 73. File photo by Lynne Dobson.

Former bishop known for 'reconciling spirit'

United Methodists remember James E. Dorff for his role in the formation of what is now the Rio Texas Conference, his leadership in a variety of ministries and ability to bring people together. He died June 7.

Mission and Ministry

Coronavirus deaths worldwide reached 1 million on Sept. 28. United Methodists are among those who have died and those still fighting the illness. Candle image by Andreas Lischka, courtesy of Pixabay; graphic by Laurens Glass, UM News.

Stories from the front lines of the coronavirus

United Methodists have relied on their faith as they tangled with COVID-19, a nasty illness that some don’t survive.

Social Concerns

Prayers are offered for lawyers of San Antonion Region Justice For Our Neighbors, a United Methodist immigration ministry, during the Border Convocation in San Antonio. The Rio Texas Conference event, held Sept. 20-21, drew about 115 people for discussion of how immigration ministries can respond better as the U.S. restricts entry of asylum seekers. Photo by Sam Hodges, UM News.

Border woes test, unite immigration ministries

Rio Texas Conference’s second Border Convocation draws crowd to share ideas about relief work and advocacy.

Social Concerns

United Methodist deaconess Cindy Johnson (right) walks to buy medicine with Isabél who traveled with her daughter from Nicaragua to Matamoros, Mexico, hoping to request asylum in the U.S. Kassandra, 16 months, was suffering from fever and weight loss while she and her mother waited for their turn to approach the bridge leading to Brownsville, Texas. Johnson, who makes regular visits to the makeshift camp, brought members of the United Methodist Immigration Task Force for a firsthand look at the immigration situation. Photo by Mike DuBose, UMNS.

United Methodists respond to migrants at the border

The United Methodist Immigration Task Force saw United Methodists in action caring for migrants from around the world seeking asylum at border towns in Texas.

Sign up for our newsletter!

UMNEWS-SUBSCRIPTION